**Ethiopian Armed Groups Form Alliance to Challenge Government**
In a significant development in Ethiopia's ongoing political turmoil, seven armed groups have united in a coalition aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. The newly formed alliance, named the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, was announced on Sunday and includes notable factions such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the Amhara Fano National Movement, and the Oromo Liberation Army, along with four smaller organizations.
The coalition has issued a joint statement accusing the ruling Prosperity Party of enforcing a "dictatorial" regime and leading the nation towards disintegration. The alliance members expressed their collective responsibility to dismantle the current government and establish a transitional administration that would focus on ending ongoing conflicts and facilitating a national dialogue aimed at constitutional reform.
In their declaration, the armed groups called upon government troops and their commanders to join their cause, framing their struggle as a necessary effort to preserve the integrity of Ethiopia. They also extended an appeal for support from civic organizations and the international community, highlighting the urgency of their mission.
The Ethiopian government, however, has dismissed the coalition's claims. Billene Seyoum, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Abiy, noted that these groups have historically received financial backing from Eritrea, a claim that Asmara has consistently denied. The government has emphasized its commitment to a national dialogue aimed at addressing the political divisions and internal conflicts that have plagued the country.
Ethiopia has faced significant challenges in achieving lasting stability since the peace agreement in November 2022, which concluded a brutal two-year conflict in the Tigray region that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. The Fano group initially allied with federal forces during the Tigray war but shifted its stance in 2023, turning against the government. Meanwhile, the Oromo Liberation Army has been engaged in conflict with federal troops since 2018.
Recent reports indicate that clashes have reignited, particularly in Tigray, where drone strikes have been reported, further complicating the fragile peace established by the 2022 accord. The formation of the new alliance and the resurgence of violence have raised alarms about the deteriorating security situation in the country.
The competing claims over territory, particularly in Western Tigray, remain a contentious issue among the various factions. This area was incorporated into Tigray following regional boundary changes in the early 1990s, a decision that has been contested by Amhara nationalists who took control of the region during the Tigray conflict.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating security situation in Ethiopia, particularly in light of the new armed coalition and ongoing reports of violence. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged all parties involved to refrain from actions or rhetoric that could exacerbate tensions and to recommit to dialogue, emphasizing that military solutions will not resolve the underlying political grievances.
As Ethiopia navigates this complex landscape of armed conflict and political dissent, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. The formation of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival marks a pivotal moment in the country’s struggle for stability and governance, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation among its diverse groups.